Every employer has a responsibility to the workforce to ensure:
All employees are paid for the work they do
Employers need to ensure employees are paid a fair wage on time and to ensure each employee is paying income tax and National Insurance. Sometimes they need to consider whether the use of zero hour contracts is fair and appropriate and whether staff are entitled to the minimum wage or the living wage.
All employees are safe in work
Employers must ensure employees are fully trained in the use of all equipment in the workplace; to ensure all employees receive health and safety training and to follow health and safety legislation. This keeps employees safe and limits the chance of injury within the workplace.
All employees are given opportunity for promotion
Employers need to ensure there are opportunities for career progression or promotion within the workplace. This keeps staff motivated and wanting to up-date and improve on their skills and knowledge.
All employees are entitled to holidays
Employers need to ensure that all employees are allocated annual leave for holidays and receive the number of days of holidays that they are entitled to. This maintains good relations between the employer and the employee as the employee is receiving what they are entitled to.
All employees are protected from discrimination
Employers need to ensure there is equality in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, political opinion, disability within the workplace. This adheres to employment laws but it also promotes an environment of equality and fairness within the workplace so no one feels left out or excluded.
All employees are shown consideration for personal matters (compassionate leave)
Employers need to allow an employee time off if they are suffering an illness or have suffered a bereavement of a close family member. It is expected that a worker with dependants could take a reasonable time off to deal with family emergencies including funerals, sicknesses or other issues. This time off is known as compassionate leave and would be discussed between the employer and employee. This helps to maintain good relations between the employer and the employee as the employee feels supported during their most difficult times outside the workplace.
When employers meet their responsibilities, this leads to:
- job satisfaction
- efficiency in the workplace
- high staff morale
- a successful business
- a positive and productive working environment
What happens if employers fail to meet their responsibilities?
If employers do not meet their responsibilities then:
Negotiations may take place between the employee and employer to try and change the situation.
Employees can go to their trade union which will work on their behalf to try and resolve issues.
Employees can withdraw goodwill or refuse to work by going on strike.
The employer could be brought to a tribunal and sued.
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